Fiji Tribe books Division One spot

THE Fiji Tribe AFL side has booked a spot in the Division One of the International Cup following its crucial victory over Great Britain on Saturday in Melbourne.

The Tribe dominated the game and came off strongly with a 49 points (7 goals, 7 behinds) 33 (4 goals, 9 behinds).

Fiji plays US in the semi-final tomorrow afternoon at Royal Park.

National coach Myke Leahy said his players were too fast and aggressive for their British opponents.

"Our plan was to win the ball in all contested situations today and to use our speed and endurance to outrun the Bulldogs," he said in a statement.

"The Tribe players were outstanding in their commitment to work hard and this paid dividends in the second half of the game when the Great Britain players got tired and we were able to control the game."

Fiji started the game strongly and had most of the forward play, but couldn't convert for goal and had to settle for 4 points by quarter time, 2 points behind the Great Britain Bulldogs who had managed a goal against the run of play.

In the second quarter the Tribe maintained their pressure early and were rewarded with two goals, but complacency set in for a period before the main break and the Bulldogs were also able to put two more goals on the board to lead by 3 points at the main break.

The Tribe played a better game in the third quarter after Leahy's pep talk to score three goals to the Bulldog's one, taking a 9 point lead into the final quarter and breaking Great Britain's will in the process.

John Valetiri was outstanding all day leading the defence, Filipe Valesu added a touch of class on the wing, Timoli Naco used his pace to full effect in the midfield and up forward, while Mesake Koroi was again too strong for his opponents and provided goals from half forward.